Legislation that would allow all New Zealanders to marry has been given the tick from the Government and Administration Select Committee and scheduled for its Second Reading on 13 March 2013.

“This is another important milestone towards achieving a fairer more equal New Zealand,” Labour MP and sponsor of the Bill, Louisa Wall said.

The Committee received 21,533 submissions and specifically mentioned the passionate contribution of youth to the debate.

“Chair Ruth Dyson ran a robust and thorough process that gave New Zealanders a free and frank forum for discussion.

“I want to extend a special thanks to everyone who submitted to the committee. Suggested amendments have been reported back to Parliament and have helped make the intent of the Bill crystal clear.

“Marriage equality is about fairness and choice. This process has showed that that message has really resonated with New Zealanders and has been echoed overseas with the recent passage of similar legislation in the UK.

“We have seen a high level of engagement in the debate and I am looking forward to taking the Bill through to its second phase,” Louisa Wall said.